n. 1. A blunt or abrupt repulse or refusal, as to an offer. 2. A check or an abrupt setback to progress or action: a rebuff to his ambitions. tr.v. re·buffed, re·buff·ing, re·buffs 1. To reject bluntly, often disdainfully; snub: rebuff a person making advances; rebuff a request. See Synonyms at refuse1. 2. To repel or drive back: rebuffed the attack. [From obsolete French rebuffer, to reject, from Italian ribuffare, from ribuffo, reprimand : ri-, back (from Latin re-; see RE-) + buffo, gust, puff (of imitative origin).] |
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